by Crystal Bowman
Several decades ago, when my hubby and I began listening to contemporary Christian music (instead of oldies from the 60s), we enjoyed the music of Dallas Holm. Born in 1948, his musical ministry spanned nearly four decades. His 1977 live album (with the group Praise) featured his best-know song, “Rise Again,” a powerful song about the resurrection of Jesus. Before he sang the song, he spoke to the audience and his words have stuck with me. He said (paraphrasing according to my memory), “On most days, I write lyrics and music because that’s what I do—it’s my job and it’s the gift God has given me. But every once in a while, an idea for a song comes to me that I believe God has given me. This next song (Rise Again) is one of those songs.”
As a writer, I can relate to his experience. I have many days when I turn on my computer and just start tapping keys as words in my head appear on the screen. I might be in the middle of a manuscript, writing a blog article, or doing some self-editing, trying to meet a tight deadline. I write because it’s my job and it’s the gift God has given me. But every now and then, I have an idea for a story or article that I believe comes from divine inspiration.
God’s hand is in all my writing, and I pray for Him to guide my mind and words as I write. Whether it’s a picture book, devotion, or the comic page for Clubhouse Jr. magazine. I cannot write apart from Him. But I love those special “God moments” that trigger a divinely inspired idea that needs to be written.
- When the sun melted frost on my windshield in three spots spelling the word God (yes, that really happened), I wrote a devotion about Immanuel—God with us.
- When my neighbor asked why I leave all the lights on at night (inside and out), I told her I did no such thing. It later occurred to me that I pray for angels to surround my house at night, and that’s the light she sees. Another devotion came from that!
- A nearly impossible idea came to me that I never would have thought of with my blonde brain. I co-authored an alphabet Christmas picture book with my adult daughter. Why was it challenging? Because we told the entire Christmas story in chronological order using key words from A-Z. What I enjoyed the most was including Old Testament messianic prophecies that were fulfilled with the birth of Jesus. I had chills as the words came together to tell the miraculous Christmas story in a unique and original way.
In Conclusion
If God has given you the gift of writing, then use it! Do everything you can to become the best writer you can be. And when you have an idea that comes from above, turn on your computer and start tapping those keys. You may be surprised at what appears on your screen.
To God be the glory!
TWEETABLE
Thank You, Crystal, for your wonderful post. Yes, I can relate! There are times when I sense the presence of the Holy Spirit hovering over me as I write. It is real and palpable. When I look back over what I have written, I know with certainty that the words came directly from God's heart. Amen! To Him be all the glory, forever and forever!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it thrilling when that happens? Thank you for sharing, MaryAnn.
DeleteThank you, Crystal, a wonderful post. I know when I am forcing words on paper they are not Divinely inspired. At times I will continue banging my head against that wall. Then I realize I can do nothing without my Almighty God.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, Art. I often think of Jesus' words in John 15:5 -- "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing."
DeleteWow! Those are some crazy God-moments. Thanks for sharing Crystal!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Those God moments are worth talking about!
DeleteYes, amen! One of the most amazing God interventions I've had in my writing happened a couple of years ago when I was on the 15th floor of a Myrtle Beach condo writing. I was working on a novel set in Jamaica in the late 1700's. Researching a group called Maroons, who once lived there, I wondered if I needed to include them in my story. A knock came at the door. It was a black male housekeeper. His conversation sounded so British vs. American I asked, "Where are you from?" He responded, "Jamaica." I smiled and told him I was writing a novel set on Jamaica, and was currently researching the Maroons and wondering about including them in the story. Then he floored me. "I am a descendent of the Maroons and can tell you anything you want to know." Yes, I included them in my novel, "The Sugar Baron's Governess." Elva Cobb Martin www.elvamartin.com
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing story of God's intervention! I am so glad you shared it today. It makes me want to read your novel!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, thanks for sharing these specific times of God revealing himself in visual ways as well as the times of writing when His touch is less vivid. Your willingness to share your experience and expertise is a blessing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThat's beautiful Crys! I had that happen a few times too. One time I woke up in the middle of the night after having the words revealed to me and jotted them down. So awesome!
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